With more RAM installed, your CPU's overclocking fails.
With more RAM installed, your CPU's overclocking fails.
Earlier this week I tried the OCGenie feature on my motherboard for the first time. It adjusted my 4690K to 3.9GHz, which is the safe method recommended by the manufacturer. The process has worked smoothly so far without any issues. Recently I expanded my RAM capacity from 8Gb to 16Gb, using an MSI Z87-G45 motherboard. The manual indicates it supports up to 32Gb with four DDR3 slots. I made sure to select the correct type—DDR3 1600MHz—to match existing components. The system recognized it and Task Manager shows 12.4 Gb available and 3.9 Gb in cache, which seems typical. However, when I enable the OCGenie button in BIOS, my PC fails to boot and displays a black screen with error messages like 'All previous setting have failed, Press F1 to enter setup.' After checking, only a few BIOS options remain functional: turning off the OCGenie, adjusting DRAM reference clock, changing DRAM frequency, and enabling auto timing. Other settings appear to be causing problems. I also attempted to reset CMOS by holding the button on the PC case for ten seconds after powering it down. Someone could help clarify what’s happening.
OCGenie works well on older chips but isn't fully stable or dependable. Consider running your own tests for a more accurate result. For deeper insights, perform a memory test using resources available online. You can also download the tool from https://www.userbenchmark.com/, run it, and share the findings so we can gather more details to assist you. This process reveals your exact specifications and basic diagnostics.
You mentioned having HWInfo installed. Could you share more details about what data you'd like to see or analyze from the UserBenchmark link?
The numbers you're seeing might be correct depending on the system configuration. CPU-Z and HWInfo often display frequencies based on the installed RAM, which could match your specs if everything is properly configured. The Task Manager showing 1600MHz might reflect a different setting or measurement method. Double-check your RAM settings in BIOS/UEFI to ensure it matches what you expect.
Double Data Rate refers to doubling the DRAM frequency by two. That equals 800 times two, which is 1600. If you're not familiar yet, verify the average DRAM and CPU voltages while under load before it failed. Don't worry about the high voltage requirements for DDR3 compared to DDR4 and DDR5—they all need more power. Also, definitely try resetting CMOS to see if that helps. Running at 1600MHz on high-capacity modules can really stress Haswell chips.
Appreciate the feedback!
I'm working with HWinfo but can't view DRAM or CPU voltages—only total power readings in watts.
Clearing CMOS didn't help.
The comment about 1600MHz on high capacity count causing issues with Haswells is unclear. With four sticks now, would two be preferable?
I've found some concerns about mixing RAM from different kits; should I consider buying two 8GB sticks from the same brand instead? Thanks for your guidance!
I've just observed another detail in HWinfo. It seems the final column is missing information. The other sections display values like Tcas and Trcd, but the fourth one is entirely blank. Is this an issue? Thanks. EDIT: Don't worry, I figured it out—got it!
Solution found. Instead of using four separate 4GB sticks from various brands, I opted for two new 8GB sticks from the same maker, Patriot PV316G160C9K Viper 3 Black Mamba. Now I have an 8GB RAM setup and the OCGenie function is working again. It's unclear if it was just the four 4GB units or if the two new ones weren't up to the task—they were budget-friendly RAM sticks that performed adequately... for now.